Gun discharges, killing bystander outside store

Published 9:27 pm, Friday, April 6, 2012

GALVESTON — A pistol discharged during an argument, killing a Texas City man as he stood outside a convenience store, Texas City police said Friday.

Marion Glenn Hines, 50, died at the University of Texas Medical Branch hospital at 1 a.m. Friday from a gunshot wound to the stomach, Cpt. Brian Goetschius said.

Police are seeking Charmon Leon Smith, 23, who has addresses in Galveston and Texas City, on a murder charge. His bail has been set at $100,000. Hines was outside the Tiger Express convenience store chatting with friends when Smith and his girlfriend drove up shortly before 10:30 p.m. Thursday, Goetschius said.

A surveillance tape shows Smith pulling a pistol and attempting to strike a 17-year-old, Goetschius said. The teenager blocked the blow, knocking the gun to the ground. It discharged and a bullet struck Hines, he said.

Smith retrieved the pistol and drove away without making any attempt to help Hines, Goetschius said.